View full news list

UK FREEPHONE : 0800 081 1969

Household Pets

It is now a lot easier to take pets to Cyprus

Taking your pets abroad

If you are going abroad and wish to take your pet cat or dog with you, the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) could allow you to avoid long quarantine periods when you return to the UK. Working guide and hearing dogs may also travel on the scheme.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm

The PETS scheme

Countries participating in PETS include most parts of Europe, and many non-European destinations. Check the current position with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
To be eligible, your cat or dog must:
- be fitted with a microchip
- be vaccinated against rabies
- be blood tested by a European Union approved laboratory - A pet may not enter/re-enter the UK under the Scheme until 6 calendar months have passed from the date that the blood sample was taken that gave a satisfactory result (assuming that all other rules of the PETS scheme have been met)
Pets must also:
- be issued with a pet passport by their vet
- be treated for tapeworm and ticks, not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before checking in with a PETS approved carrier for the journey back to the UK
- travel via PETS approved sea, air and rail routes

Owners must also sign a declaration of residency.

Before you go

You must book your trip with one of the many PETS-approved carriers, on a PETS-approved route. There is only a limited amount of space and it is allocated on a first come first served basis. You must book in advance as your pet will not be allowed to travel without a prior booking.
A list of recognised carriers can be found on the DEFRA website.

1 Dogs, cats and ferrets prepared for PETS in, or returning under PETS to the UK from, the Republic of Cyprus may enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine. However, PETS compliant animals travelling from north Cyprus (the area north of the Buffer Zone) must be licensed into quarantine for 6 months on arrival in the UK. This must be arranged before the animal travels. See answer 2 of Q+A brief for more details.

Taking care of your pet when travelling

These tips can help make your pet

View all offers